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Licola spared, for now

Stephen Cauchi

The township of Licola has been given a brief reprieve, with the fire not expected to pass through until Saturday, according to the Country Fire Authority.

Ray Winter, from the Licola General Store, said about 10 locals were left in the town along with about 30 firefighters.

"We can see smoke in the distance," said Mr Winter, 63. "We're bracing ourselves. We're in the lap of the gods with the wind. It all depends on the wind."

Mr Winter said a bushfire had passed through the town before, in 2006. "We've been through it all before," he said. "We're prepared, we've got everything all wet down. We've got a good refuge – a dwelling and a big oval. We'll go in the dwelling first and if it gets too hairy we'll make ground to the oval.